While the words "envy" and "jealousy" are often used interchangeably, there's a subtle but important distinction between them. Envy is a feeling of discontent or covetousness towards another person because of their possessions, qualities, or achievements. Jealousy, on the other hand, is a feeling of insecurity or possessiveness, often involving a fear of losing something you value, like a relationship or status. Think of it this way: envy is wanting what someone else has, while jealousy is the fear of losing what you have.

Let's look at some examples:

• Envy: "I envy her beautiful singing voice." (Meaning: I wish I had her beautiful singing voice.) Translation: I wish I could sing as beautifully as she does.

• Jealousy: "He felt a pang of jealousy when he saw his girlfriend talking to another man." (Meaning: He was worried about losing his girlfriend.) Translation: He was afraid that his girlfriend might leave him for another man.

• Envy: "I envy his success in business." (Meaning: I wish I were as successful as him.) Translation: I wish my business was as successful as his.

• Jealousy: "She was jealous of her sister's popularity." (Meaning: She felt insecure about her own lack of popularity in comparison to her sister's.) Translation: She felt threatened by her sister's popularity because she herself was not very popular.

The key difference lies in the object of the emotion. Envy focuses on what someone else has, while jealousy centers on the fear of losing something you already possess. Understanding this nuance will help you use these words correctly and express your emotions precisely.

Happy learning!